When to send save-the-dates and wedding invitations

How far ahead to send save-the-dates and invitations for local and destination weddings, what goes on each, and what to do if you are already behind.

The short answer

Send save-the-dates three to six months before a local wedding, or earlier, and we suggest eight to twelve months for a destination wedding. Mail invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, or eight to twelve weeks ahead when most guests travel. Put the RSVP deadline on the invitation, not the save-the-date, and set it about ten days before your caterer needs final numbers.

The timeline at a glance

When to send save-the-dates and invitations: Wedding website live, Before save-the-dates, Before save-the-dates; Save-the-dates, 3–6 months before, or earlier, 8–12 months before (our suggestion); Invitations, 6–8 weeks before, 8–12 weeks before; RSVP deadline, 2–4 weeks before, Before any hotel or travel deadlines.

Save-the-dates: what they're for

A save-the-date asks guests to keep a date free. It is not an invitation, and guests don't reply to it. Its job is to give people who need to plan (time off work, flights, childcare) enough warning to do so.

Invitations: what they're for

The invitation gives the full details and asks for a reply. Six to eight weeks is long enough for guests to arrange things and short enough that the invitation doesn't get lost.

Do you need save-the-dates at all?

Not always. For a small local wedding where most guests already know the date, you can skip them. Send them for destination weddings, holiday weekends, weddings with many out-of-town guests, and any wedding that falls at a busy time of year.

If you're already behind

Save-the-dates are late: skip them and send invitations early, eight to ten weeks out, with a message to guests who travel that details are coming. Invitations are late: send them now, use an online RSVP page so replies don't wait on the post, give guests at least two weeks to reply, and follow up by text rather than waiting. The wedding is weeks away: call or message your closest guests personally today. A personal message is better than a formal card that arrives too late.

How far in advance should you send wedding invitations?

Six to eight weeks before the wedding, or eight to twelve weeks when most guests travel.

How early is too early to send save-the-dates?

There is no firm rule. The Emily Post Institute's checklist places them three to six months out, "or earlier". For a destination wedding we suggest eight to twelve months, and earlier still if guests need to save for international travel.

Should the RSVP deadline go on the save-the-date?

No. Guests reply to the invitation, so the reply-by date belongs on the invitation or the RSVP page. See when wedding RSVPs should be due.